Limited protection when buying from non-EU stores
As winter sales campaigns kick off, Romanian authorities are warning consumers about the risks of online shopping, especially from stores outside the European Union. The head of the National Authority for Consumer Protection (ANPC), Paul Anghel, says authorities have limited powers when sellers do not have legal representation within the EU.
“Be careful with non-EU stores. If the economic operator running the website you buy from does not have legal personality in the European Union, the authorities’ ability to protect consumers’ interests is limited,” Paul Anghel wrote in a Facebook post.
Read also: Romania Plans New Environmental Tax for Packages from Non-EU Platforms
With winter discounts underway, consumers are advised to compare prices using online tools, carefully read product descriptions, and check stock availability, VAT, and delivery costs. “Make sure the discounted price in your cart matches the one initially displayed,” Anghel noted.
For safer online shopping, the ANPC recommends checking whether the website uses a secure connection (“https” and a security symbol), keeping banking details and PIN codes confidential, and contacting the seller if questions arise. Reading genuine reviews and verifying that the store clearly displays company details, final prices, delivery terms, and return policies is also essential.
The authority also warns against fake discounts. Reduced prices must be calculated based on the lowest price in the past 30 days and displayed transparently, either as old versus new price or as a percentage. Legal deadlines still apply: delivery within 30 days, a 14-day online return period without justification, and refunds issued within 14 days.
The legal warranty lasts at least two years and applies to discounted products as well, with the seller remaining fully responsible.
If issues occur, consumers can contact the European Consumer Centre Romania for EU-based traders or ANPC for Romanian sellers.
Photo: freepik.com
